Stephan Rust | Rustiek and SM Rust

Basic Introduction
Growing up, like many boys, I had a fascination with bladed weapons. My fascination newer really went away and in some ways my studies in engineering and wood science helped to fuel my interest in steel and wood related crafts. I started gathering tools after high school and soon I was happily swinging my hammers and grinding my blades. I believe knives are tools and should be used and because of this, I make mostly kitchen and hunting knives. I like making damascus and my journey forward will hopefully include mare intricate patterns and designs.

Favourite Handle Materials
I like working with indigenous woods. Snake bean, Wild olive and African Blackwood are some of my favourites.

Favourite Steel
I enjoy making my own damascus. I mainly use 1070 and 15n20. 5160 still holds a special place in my heart and I believe it is ignored because it is seen as a beginner steel.

Signature product
I often make my variation on a Serbian cleaver, known as a “Byltjie”

Technical
I mostly use steel bought from reputable suppliers. From time to time I will use big bearings or other reclaimed materials. The steel will always be indicated on the knife’s info card. With the exception of stainless blades, I do my own heat treating and will from time to time do destructive testing to ensure my heat treat recipe is giving good results.

The future
I hope continue bettering my skills with every knife I make. I would like to try more complicated damascus patterns and build my name in the custom knife community.